Work Zones
The Cone Zone
The Montana Department of Transportation is getting ready for a busy season of construction and maintenance work on the 10,800 miles of roads and highway the department maintains.
When traveling during construction season, watch for the "cone zone" and for workers on the highway. These workers spend their days working a short distance from fast moving vehicles, and while they make every effort to work safely, they are counting on you to pay attention, slow down and be careful as you pass through a work zone.
Safer Driving in Work Zones
Remember the Three S's of work zone safety: speed, space and stress.
1. Manage Your Speed
Slow down when approaching all work zones. You will be in the work zone quicker than you think.
Follow posted speed limits, especially within construction zones, and try to maintain a consistent speed with the traffic flow. And adjust your speed for weather conditions.
Don't resume normal speed until you see roadway signs indicating it's safe to do so.
2. Manage Your Space
Leave room. Leave adequate braking room between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. Count out at least two seconds from the time the car ahead of you passes an object and the time your own car passes that object. Also, keep a safe distance between your vehicle and traffic barriers, trucks, construction equipment and workers.
Don't pass on the shoulder. Don't drive across the median. This creates a very dangerous situation for you, construction workers and other motorists.
Give yourself an out. When stopped in traffic, leave a safety zone between you and the vehicle in front of you. A good rule of thumb is that when stopped in traffic you should be able to see the bottom of the tires of the vehicle in front of you.
Don't try to force tailgaters to back off by slamming on your brakes. At night, lightly tap your brake pedal to illuminate your brake lights to warn tailgaters they are too close. During the day, turn your headlights on and off several times to illuminate your tail lights.
3. Manage Your Stress
Keep Your Cool. Calm down. Don't rush. Remember, the temporary inconvenience of a construction zone will soon pay off with greatly improved roads.
Pay Attention. Avoid cell phone or radio distractions, as well as those of other stopped cars or construction.
Expect Delays. Use the Traveler Information Map to learn about construction; leave a bit earlier; or try an alternate route.
Work Zone Safety & Mobility Toolbox
The MDT Work Zone Safety and Mobility Policy provides an opportunity to increase safety for department employees, construction workers and the public while improving the mobility of the traveling public and our goods and services.
Open ToolboxResources
Planning ahead is key to arriving at your destination quickly and safely. Stay aware of current construction sites, road conditions and expected delays.
Road Construction Reporting: Text Report | Map
Montana's Work Zone Safety Laws
Speeding through a work zone in Montana can cost motorists more than just double the price of a ticket; it can result in jail time or cost a life.
61-8-314. Traffic Violations In Construction Zone And Work Zone - Definitions
61-8-317. Right-Of-Way For Vehicles Engaged In Mobile Highway Maintenance
61-8-346. Operation Of Vehicles On Approach Of Authorized Emergency Vehicles Or Police Vehicles - Approaching Stationary Emergency Vehicles Or Police Vehicles
Questions
Please contact